Cope Kathryn, Fowler Laura, Pogson Zara
Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Br J Nurs. 2015;24(8):441-5. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2015.24.8.441.
To develop and implement a respiratory clinical-nurse-specialist-led chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 'in-reach service' for an emergency admission unit within a large acute county hospital.
Data collected during the service development were compared with existing data when no COPD in-reach service was available. Data were compared on average length of stay, readmission rates, 'early assisted discharge' and patient experience.
The COPD in-reach service reduced average length of stay for COPD patients by 2.53 days and readmission rates were reduced by an average of 4.5 per month; 17% of patients were discharged on an early assisted discharge scheme, and overall patients felt more prepared and ready for discharge.
The COPD in-reach service has been proven to be of great benefit both financially and in terms of patient experience.
